N.L.’s minimum wage going up 15 cents in April

Future annual increases also tied to national consumer price index

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Minister Al Hawkins has announced the province’s minimum wage will be increased by 15 cents on April 1.

It will bring the rate to $11.15 per hour.

Hawkins, who made the announcement today, Feb. 20, also indicated all future minimum wage increases will go into effect on April 1 of each year and will be tied to the change in the national consumer price index.

That change was based on input collected during public consultations held last year, according to a news release from the department.

“Our government committed to establishing a model for determining minimum wage that is based on an inflationary measure, as well as implementing an approach that balances the perspectives of both employees and employers,” Hawkins said.

“Indexing the minimum wage to the consumer price index on a fixed date annually provides an open, predictable and well informed approach that helps employees and employers plan for future adjustments.”

According to the new release, the Labour Standards Regulations have been amended to reflect the changes. There are also protections so that there will be no decreases to the minimum wage as a result of the model.

The last minimum wage increase in Newfoundland and Labrador was on Oct. 1, 2017 and saw the rate climb to $11.

All four Atlantic provinces have now set April 1 as the annual date for minimum wage increases.

As well, the release stated the minimum overtime rate will be increased to $16.73, 1.5 times the minimum wage.